The Toyota Innova was a strong presence in the Philippine market since its entry back in 2004. Many Filipinos loved it, as the Innova offers almost all of the needs and wants of a family in an MPV. In 2021, the Toyota’s compact MPV received a mild exterior and interior update, however, the gasoline option is now gone. The entire Innova lineup is powered by the tried and tested 2.8-liter diesel engine.
In total, the 2021 Toyota Innova has 6 variants to choose from, in order to help you make the right choice, we’ve managed to put up this variant comparison guide where we examine and compare each variant spec by spec. That said, let’s proceed.
The entry-level J
Like the rest of the variant range, the 2.8 J Diesel MT comes with the Innova’s revised fascia that is complemented by the new grille, its revised headlights, and repositioned turn-signal indicators. Like before, the J trim is treated with body-colored accents on the doors and side mirrors, other exterior highlights also include halogen-reflector headlights and a set of 205/65 tires with 16-inch steel rims that are covered with hub caps. The back, on the other hand, still has the same bumper and taillights as before.
The J variant is by far the most affordable and basic Toyota Innova you can get on the market today. Despite its simple and utilitarian interior, the Innova J’s cabin offers a good amount of space and storage for its passengers. It's got an all-black layout that should be easy to maintain, all seats are upholstered in fabric, a urethane steering wheel, manual climate control with rear air conditioning vents, a cooling box for your drinks, 2DIN radio with basic multimedia functions, and a 4-speaker audio system.
As mentioned, all Innovas are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine. With the J only available with a 5-speed MT, power figures are 168 hp and 343 Nm of torque. In terms of safety, the J trim gets driver, front passenger, and knee airbags, others include ABS, EBD, stability control, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Currently, the Toyota Innova 2.8 J Diesel MT is priced at P1,186,000.
Now, you can opt for an automatic
Stepping up to the E grade will still give you the same engine, yet it presents you two transmission options to choose from, including a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Opting for the automatic variant will give your engine increased figures of 174 hp and 360 Nm of torque, while sticking with the manual will still give the same numbers on the J variant.
Not much has changed on the outside, instead, it gets a different set of 16-inch alloys along with turn signal indicators on its side mirrors, and fog lamps. Inside, the E grade retains the same interior layout, though it is worth noting that it comes with some additions including a silver accent and controls on the steering wheel, jam protect windows for the driver, power adjustability on its side mirrors, and a 6.75-inch display that has Apple and Android Auto—it even gets an upgraded 6-speaker audio system.
The rest of the safety and security features from the entry-level J were carried over. Moreover, it does come added with a door ajar warning for the doors. Prices for the E variants range from P1,285,000 for the MT and P1,355,000 for the AT.
Going up
Now, we’re up on the G grade which sits below the range-topping variants. Like the E, the G also offers a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic option that also achieves identical power figures on its 2.8-liter diesel engine.
On the outside, the number one thing you’ll notice is its generous amount of chrome that’s applied on the door handles and side mirrors, plus, the grille has also been redone with a grey metallic finish and chrome for a classier look. Another contrasting feature can be found at the rear which is the gloss black panel that is cleverly placed in between its taillights.
Inside, one of the most noticeable changes would have to be the cabin’s aesthetic treatment. It’s got noble brown seats, chrome door handles, wood accents, and the special lighting system that certainly elevates the ambiance of the cabin at night. Other technological features include a 4.2-inch multi-information display, automatic climate control, and the slightly larger 7-inch infotainment system that still has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other multimedia functions.
Its safety features were carried over from the previous variant, except it comes with an immobilizer, a reverse camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Opting for the Innova 2.8 G Diesel MT will require you to shell out P1,522,000 while the Innova 2.8 G Diesel AT sits a bit higher at P1,592,000.
On-ground business class
Finally, we are now up on the V variant which serves as the range-topping trim of the Innova. It is solely available with a 6-speed automatic transmission that is still paired with the tried and tested 2.8-liter diesel engine. Its front lighting system has been upgraded to LEDs including the fog lights. It also gets a larger set of 17-inch alloys wrapped in 215/55 tires. You’ll also notice that the driver’s side door handle comes with a button for the smart keyless entry.
Inside, the theme was carried over from the G. Despite that, the V trim still has some special additions to it, like the push-start button and the second-row captain seats for a business class-like riding experience. Its safety aspect has also been improved, all thanks to the addition of side and curtain airbags.
Given the additional features and the exclusive second-row captain seats, the Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT can be had at P1,739,000.
Verdict
The range-topping V does appear to be the most desirable among the bunch, while the J and E trims shall cater to those who are mostly after the strong practicality, the proven performance, and the reliability of an Innova. This leaves us with the G grade, and to be honest, it is perhaps the most bang-for-buck Innova variant you can buy today. Given that it offers the right amount of creature comforts, performance, and practicality without breaking the bank.
Then again it’s still up to you, if you want to get everything an Innova has to offer, then purchase the V. If you’re more of a budget-conscious person but you still want an Innova, then the J or E is probably the ones for you. Once you’ve made your pick, don’t hesitate to click on the ‘Get Quote’ button—it’s absolutely free. You could even request to test drive the cars so you would know what you’ll like about them, first hand.
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